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Conference offered by David Dickson, editor and founder of SciDev.net, in Barcelona on 12 July 2012
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New science communication: research
and innovation in the era of the Internet
Barcelona Centre for International Health Research
Centre Esther Koplowitz , Barcelona, 12 July 2012
David Dickson Editor and founding director, SciDev.Net
www.scidev.net
Summary
Why communicate?
Communicating with scientists
Communicating with non-scientists
SciDev.Net: science communication and development
Social media
www.scidev.net
Why communicate?
www.scidev.net
Communication has two main functions:
To inform
To engage
www.scidev.net
It can also be used to entertain
An example from YouTubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BI2m3QoaS8&feature=share
www.scidev.net
Science communication:
This has two dimensions:
With scientific colleagues
With the non-science community
www.scidev.net
Communicating with scientists
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Internal science communication:
1.Scientific papers
2.Pre-prints
3.Seminars
4.Informal communication
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Each has been revolutionised by the arrival of the Internet:
1.Scientific papers
Electronic publishing
Open access movement
2.Pre-prints
Open archiving
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3. Seminars:
Video-conferencing (Skype, etc.)
4. Informal communication:
Social media
www.scidev.net
Communicating with non-scientists
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External science communication:
Practitioners
Policy-makers
Funders and funding agencies
General public
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Science communication with the public is increasingly important
It facilitates the contract between science and society and a time of demand for extra transparency
It reflects the new status of science, creating a “culture of science”
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Cultural context:
Loss of expertise and authority of scientists
Change in the nature of knowledge production (e.g. CERN/LHC)
Improved communications and a proliferation of sources of information
Democratic deficit
(Science for All, 2010)
www.scidev.net
Scientists have a responsibility to communicate
“It is an important responsibility for the scientists to communicate research results and viewpoints to the public, especially in cases of publicly funded research.
“This responsibility is exposed to challenges by both enormous opportunities and new threats for effective science communication provided by new information technologies.”
ICSU Advisory Note, December 2010
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Scientists’ response:Survey of 1485 UK research scientists showed that the main reasons for engaging in science communication related primarily to perceived external needs.
The most popular motivation (35%) was given as “To ensure the public is better informed about science and technology”
(People Science Policy, 2006: 28)
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SciDev.Net and its activities
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Eliminated the transaction of costs of communicating information
Opened up new opportunities for science communication in general, and science journalists in particular.
World-wide web has:
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SciDev.Net’s premise:
The communication of accurate and accessible information about science and technology, and their contributions to innovation, is essential to the objectives of:
achieving economic growth
reducing poverty, and
enabling environmental sustainability
www.scidev.net
Policymakers at all levels need accurate, timely and reliable information about role of science and technology in meeting development objectives.
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The public understanding of science and technology ensures open and democratic debate about the promises they offer – as well as how to handle their potentially negative consequences
At the same time …
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The demand for both improved science communication and improved science communication skills is increasing rapidly in the developing world
As a result:
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Our activities
Operating a free-access website (www.scidev.net) containing news, views and analysis about science and technology in the developing world
Organising workshops and other activities to enhance the capacity of both professional science communicators – such as journalists – and researchers to provide reliable and authoritative information on such issues
Our website …
www.scidev.net
The website contains
News
Feature articles
Opinion articles
Bi-weekly editorial
Regular ‘spotlights’
Notices (including lists of meetings, grants and jobs)
Links (e.g. to scientific organisations and journals)
Comments from users
www.scidev.net
In operation since 2001 > 60,000 registered users Almost ¾ (73.2%) are in developing countries > 50,000 hits per week > 120 freelance contributors around the
developing world
Current situation
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Science communication and social media
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How do you use social media?(AstraZeneca study of 382 scientists)
•Read/watch online content: 61 percent
•Post comments: 18 percent
•Join conversations: 17 percent
•Update status online: 10 percent
•Generate content: 7 percent
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What is the value in social media?
1.Information sharing/collaboration: 62
percent
2.Knowledge building: 61 percent
3.Networking: 61 percent
4.Participating in discussion: 33 percent
5.Getting the message out/thought
leadership: 10 percent
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How much value does social media deliver to scientists?
1. Absolutely essential: 6 percent
2. Very valuable: 18 percent
3. Valuable: 33 percent
4. Somewhat valuable: 35 percent
5. Minimum value: 8 percent
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Guidance from AAAS on the use of social media
Be social and network.
Use social networking sites to announce your latest discovery and be ready to discuss your work.
Link to others whose interests you share and ask and answer questions.
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Be legal
It is illegal in most countries to make false claims against another person or organisation in print (libel)
If you're not sure you're reporting the truth, it may be better to leave some things out if they could be damaging to someone.
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Be discreet
Don't reveal preliminary information that scientific competitors could exploit, possibly damaging your career (or those of your colleagues).
Wait until publication is imminent
Never reveal your colleagues' research without their permission.
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Be politically aware
Before criticising your government's scientific or environmental policy, for example, consider whether you might endanger your funding, your position, or your university.
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Be sensitive
An issue that may might be acceptable within your profession, such as sacrificing animals for research, may not be as acceptable to others.
Consider rephrasing sensitive topics.
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Be moderate
Social media can be mildly addictive.
Use it a little bit each day.
If you find it impairing your research time, scientific reputation or real-life social life, you're probably using it too much.
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Above all, be active!
www.scidev.net
www.scidev.net
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